Crimson Heart: FORBIDDEN DESIRES OF MAFIA.

Chapter 1: Fateful Encounter

(in narrators prospective)

The air was thick with tension as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an orange glow over the sprawling city of Naples. From his vantage point on the rooftop of the De Luca mansion, Alessio De Luca looked down at the world he controlled with an iron fist. The streets below bustled with life, unaware of the shadows that lurked just beneath the surface. But Alessio saw everything. He had to. The weight of power was a burden only the strong could carry, and Alessio had proven time and time again that he was more than capable.

Tonight, however, something felt different. The air hummed with an energy that set his nerves on edge. A deal was set to go down—one that could make or break the delicate balance of power in the city. Alessio had orchestrated countless transactions, but this one held more risk than usual. It was a necessary evil in a world that demanded constant vigilance and ruthlessness. Trust was a luxury that Alessio couldn't afford.

He turned away from the city and descended the stairs into the heart of his empire. The De Luca mansion was a fortress, a blend of old-world elegance and modern security. Marble floors, ornate chandeliers, and priceless artwork adorned the halls, but it was the hidden steel reinforcements, surveillance systems, and armed guards that gave Alessio peace of mind.

His consigliere, Luca, awaited him in the study, a room that smelled of leather and aged whiskey. The walls were lined with books that Alessio rarely had time to read, and the large mahogany desk was covered in paperwork—ledgers, contracts, and lists of names. Luca, a man in his late forties with graying hair and a sharp mind, looked up as Alessio entered.

"The Serafini family is getting restless," Luca said without preamble, his voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. "They're pushing for more territory, and they've been making moves in our area."

Alessio narrowed his eyes. The Serafini family had been a thorn in his side for years, but they'd never dared to encroach on De Luca's territory, until now. "They've grown bolder," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "What's changed?"

Luca handed him a file. "We believe they've partnered with someone new—an outside player. We don't have all the details yet, but their resources have increased significantly."

Alessio flipped through the file and took in the information. His mind raced as he calculated the implications. If the Serafinis had found a new ally, it could tip the scales in their favor. That was unacceptable. He would crush them before they could become a real threat.

"Set up a meeting," Alessio said, closing the file with a snap. "I want to know who they're dealing with. If we can't buy them off, we'll eliminate them."

Luca nodded, already making arrangements on his phone. "I'll handle it."

As Luca left the room, Alessio's thoughts drifted to the dangers of his world. He was no stranger to betrayal—he had seen it too many times, even from those he thought were loyal. In this world, loyalty was earned through fear and respect, and Alessio commanded both. But the Serafini family's move was more than a challenge; it was a declaration of war.

With a sigh, Alessio poured himself a glass of whiskey and leaned against the edge of his desk. The weight of his responsibilities pressed down on him, but he bore it without complaint. This was the life he had chosen, and he had no regrets. Still, there were moments brief, fleeting moments when he wondered what it would be like to live without constantly looking over his shoulder.

Those thoughts, however, were dangerous. Weakness had no place in his world, and Alessio had long ago trained himself to push such thoughts aside.

Just as he was about to take a sip of his whiskey, his phone buzzed on the desk. A message from Luca: The meeting is set for tonight. Warehouse 42. Be careful.